Alberta Cross performed songs from his new album at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia.

Laura Jane Brubaker
/ WXPN

Originally published on June 23, 2014 3:09 pm

Born in a New York City bar from the minds of Londoner Terry Wolfers and Brit/Swede Petter Ericson Stakee, Alberta Cross crafts a distinct variation on American roots music. The band's use of folk and blues traditions within an old-school rock template works off the firm foundations laid by the likes of The Band and Neil Young. From gritty rock 'n' roll songs like "ATX" (from 2009's Broken Side of Time) to the slow and sincere "Low Man" (from 2007's The Thief & The Heartbreaker), Alberta Cross has proven versatile and enduring.

The band has toured extensively, selling out venues across America and Europe, and is preparing for the release of its new album, Songs of Patience, out next week. Hear old and new songs here, performed on the Philadelphia stage of World Cafe Live.